Do you love it or do you loathe it? The A26 derbies are fixtures that are either highly anticipated or not, but either way they come around and on Saturday, we visit the Gallagher Stadium for the first of this season’s encounters.

Maidstone United were a game away from promotion to the National League last season, losing in the play-off final to Boreham Wood.

Having lost the likes of Aaron Blair and Temi Eweka they took a little while to adjust this season although they are now in their best form of the season on the back of three straight wins and 13 points from a possible 15 in their last five matches and sit sixth in the table.

Despite their recent run of form, Maidstone’s home record this season is a long way short of their superb form on the road (best in the division), having only won twice in seven games.

Their top scorer is ex-Slough man John Gilbert with five. Other players to watch in the squad are Antony Papadopolous, who has returned to the Gallagher on loan from Crawley Town, ex-Sutton United Guyana international Deon Moore and Dajon Golding who had a two month spell at Tonbridge in the 2022/23 season. The match will be one of particular interest to Angels’ midfielder Jordan Higgs who spent a year at Maidstone last season before returning to Tonbridge this season.

Last season’s corresponding fixture brought a richly-deserved, highly emotional draw as Scott Wagstaff led the team with Ethan Sutcliffe scoring a 65th minute equaliser after Ruben Shakpoke had given the Stones a first half lead. 

We don’t suppose there are many of our supporters that need acquainting with the Gallagher, but for information with the game segregated, we will be housed in the south-west corner of the stadium. We are allocated half of the relatively small covered enclosure at the Town End of the ground with rest of the allocation, uncovered, flat standing that doesn’t reach the halfway line.

Food and drink outlets are accommodated within the area with the Shepherd Neame Bar and Town End Cut and Grill and is usually of a pretty good standard.

There is no parking at the Gallagher with the nearest pay and display car parks at Invicta House (weekends only, five minute walk), Maidstone East Train Station (seven minute walk) and Fremlin Walk (ten minute walk).

Train travellers from Tonbridge Station will alight at Maidstone West after changing at Paddock Wood leaving a ten minute walk alongside the river. 

Admission to the game for Angels supporters will be through turnstiles 1 and 2 with the reminder that the game is ALL TICKET. Admission prices are: Adults £18, Concessions £15 Youths (11-17) £10, Under-11’s £5 and Under-6’s Free. Tickets can be purchased HERE with no admission available on the turnstiles.

Enjoy the game (if you can)!